Typewriter adjustment and shutter bed



Apnl 13, 1937. c. A. MAcoMlc TYPEWRITER ADJSTMENT AND SHUTTER BEU 5 sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 7, 1935 Sb A `April 13 1937. C. A. MAcoMlc 2,076,583

I' TYPEWRITER {DJUSTMENT AND SHUTTER BED Filed Aug. 7, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 y Mui April 13, 1937. c. A. MAcoMlc 2,076,583

TYPEWRITER ADJUSTMENT AND SHUTTER BED y Filed Aug. '7, 1935 5 sheets-smet s April 13, 1937. c. A. MAcoMlc TYPEWRITER lADJUSTMENT AND SHUTTER BED Filed Aug. 7, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 W @m L@ W April 13, 1937. c. A. MAcoMlc TYPEWRITER ADJUSTMENT AND SHUTTER BED Filed Aug. 7, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. 13, 1937 UNITED STATES 2.076.583 y mEwalrEa Anmlsggam AND suu'rTEa Chester A. Macomlc, Chicago, lll., assignor to Macomic Corporation tion of Delaware Chicago, IlL, acorpora- Application August 7, 1335, serial No. 35,111

19 claims. (crave-3) My invention relates to pattern setting mechanism adaptable for use with type casting or type setting machines and has one object to provide, in combination with a pattern bed, means adapted to be controlled by a typewriter keyboard, and means for adjusting the pattern bed actuating mechanism to the typewriter. Another object is a provision of improved means for the mountingand support of such pattern bed actuating mechanism. Another object is the provision of improved means for the support of the pattern bed. Other objects will appear from time to time in the course of the specification and claims. I illustrate my invention more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings, wheremi Figure 1 is a side elevation with parts broken away;

Figure 2 is a side elevation with parts of thel structure swung into a different position;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical section with parts in side elevation;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a shutter bed, with 5 parts broken away; Figure 5 is a section on the line 5--5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a section on the line 6 6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a detail; and

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of Figure 3.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols or characters throughout the specification and 35 drawings. y

Referring to the drawings, A indicates any suitable base or support or frame member. Projecting upwardly from the base are a plurality of hinge legs or brackets A1. Extending upwardly from the base A at a point spaced from A1 are other pivot brackets indicated as A1. Positioned between the vmembers A1 and A2 are` one or more supporting abutments or rests A3.

Pivoted as at B1 to the members A1 is the 45 typewriter supporting frame B. Mounted upon it and secured thereto is a typewriting mechanism generally indicatedas B2, in the present instance being simply a more or less schematic showing of the usual commercial typewriter. It 50 has a plurality of keys B3 mounted on and actuating levers B4. The frame B, upon which the typewriter B2 rests, normally lies in the horizontal position in which it is shown in Figure 1.

It may be supported in such position as by the 55 downwardly extending projection or abutment portion or portions B5. 'I'hese may be in the form of legs at the corners of the frame B.

Secured to the frame B, as by the screws C1, is the shutter bed frame generally indicated as C, which is in the form of a rectangular frame 5 structure as is clear from Figure 4. It is formed of four angle members, respectfully indicated as C2, C3, C4, and C5. Pivoted to and between the members C2 and C4 are a plurality of shutters indicated as C5. Theyare shown as pivoted for 10 example on pins C". Each shutter is provided with an upwardly extending lug Ca apertured to receive loop C5 of a rod or wire C10. Clips C11 close each such loop. Each rod or wire is normal ly edged toward the left, referring to the position 15 of the parts as shown in Figure 3, by a spring C12, positioned exterior to the angle C5 and confined between it and any suitable adjustable stop or head C13 on the rod. The opposite end of each rod is pivoted to a bell crank lever C14, which is 20 pivoted as at C15 in a cross member or comb C15. C1'I indicates a second comb, mounted on the typewriter B2, through which passes the levers B4. The comb C17 also guides ther upper ends C18 of the bell crank levers C14. It will be understood that as each typewriter key ls depressed, as shown at :c in Figure 3, the particular lever B1 rides down in the comb C1'I and thrusts down with it the upper arm of one of the bell crank levers C11 and thereby draws its particular rod C10 to 30 the right, against the compression of its spring C11. This movement of the rod rotates one of the shutters in clockwise direction into the .depressed position in which it is shown as at X1 in Figure 3. It will be understood that there is a rod C111 for eachshutter, and only one shutter for each rod. Therefore, each key of the typewriter controlsv a single and diierent shutter member C6. i

In particular relation to the adjustment of this structure to a particular typewriter, I provide, on the angle C5, guide blocksD. These guide blocks may be grooved or recessed as at D1 to receive projecting lugs D2, which extend outwardly 'from the ends of the comb member C16. 45

, The upper edge of the comb C15 is grooved as at serves as ka. limit for upward movement ofthe upper arms C" of the bell crank levers C14. It is adjustable, being provided with elongated apertures D4 through which pass securing screws D", which screws pass through the plate D4 and 5 are'in screw fitted relation with the comb C14.

The comb CU is vertically adjustable in relation to the angle C4 and the blocks D.) This vertically adjustable cone will be clear'Y for example from `Figure 8. Da are vertical adjusting screws;

l bearing upon the angles Ca and C4. Iheir rotation in one direction raises the comb()I4 and their rotation in the opposite direction lowers it. In

order to lock the member C14 in a locking position, I provide locking screws D .whic h are screw l fitted in the blocks D, whichA will'be clear from Figures 4 and 8. The heads `of the screws D? bear against the upper edge ofthe comb C", as is probably best shownin Figure 8.l It'will be understood that I may thus adjust the levers C1? in relation to the typewriter levers B4. Thisvadjustment is very important `because the arc ofl movement and the location` of the leversB4 may vary from machine to machlneand it is important that I be able to use my device with any or-r dinary commercial typewriter. This adjustment is importantv in connection with governing the arc of movement of the shutters C6 in response tothe downward movement of the typewriter levers B4. Each of these shuttersC must terminate its downward excursion at or very close to a single given level or plane. This is important inrelation to parts ofthe mechanism which .will later be described.

It 1s important also that I be able to lock the above described actuating mechanism. against movement at certain times of the operation. For example, when casting slugswhen my invention is applied to type casting mechanisms. A handy way for obtaining this locking effect is to lock `i0 the bell crank lever C14 against retrograde movement. This, in turn, holds the rods Cl"v againsty movements, andholds all the shutters C6 in raised or inoperative position. I provide for example a transverse bar E pivoted on arms E1 for rotation about. the axis E, which member E is shown in inoperative positionV in Figure 6. In order to swing the member E into locking position, I provide'a link E3 pivoted as at E4 to a lever- E*i which,

in turn, is secured toa lever E pivoted as at E". Pivoted to the upper end of the lever E6 isa bar El'which may be notched as at E to receivethe spring thrust plunger Eli.` It Awill be clear, as from Figure 3, that when the plunger El penetrates one of the notches E', the member -E will be in locking position. When it engages ytheotherof the notches E the member E will be in unlocking position. Any suitable means may beemployed for moving the lever E4 into and out of locking position. Iillustrate for example apulibar E11, the a details and actuation of which do not of themselves form part vof the present invention.` The pull' bar El1 may be moved to the left, referring to the position of the parts in Figure 3, to rotate the upper end of thelever Eto the'right and .amount vertical movable plunger G1. Any suitable means may be provided for holding the plungers Gl normally at their upper position.y The entire plunger structure runs on roller G3, which ride on a track G3v mounted in any suitable fashion.

For example I `illustrate. in 'Figure 3 Va track yor rod Ci:i mounted betweenk the legs B5.' Another rod G4 is suspended as bylinks G from the opposite' side of the frame B. The details ofv this Y structure do notV ofthemselves form part of the .present invention; Thereis a single plunger G1 aligned with each of the shutters C4, it being understood that theplungers will be depressed as at X in Figure 3, when'the corresponding shutter is actuated. The plunger carriage and plungers ride along tracksG? and G4 in response to rota--l tion oi' a leverV G", which lever is pivoted as atG" y intermediate its endis and ismoved by the progressive movement of the typewriter carriage. In y other words. every time the operator strikes a'` key the typewriter carriage is moved a single step and its movement moves the plunger carriage.;-

structure G a single step;

Pivoted fto supports A and resting upon .the abutments A3 isV the pattern bed generally indicated asH. The details ofthis bed do not of themselves form part o'f 'thejpresent invention.

but it will be understood that the bedsupports,`

in vertically movable position', a plurality of pattern pins H1. These pins are vertically movable and the frictional relation between` them and the bed issuch that they will normally keep the position to which they yhave been moved, until they are 'positively moved to some other position'.

I illustrate the pins as formed in pairs, each pair having opposed recessesI- I1,which togetherreceive an elevating bar H2. These bars are connectedfatl the ends as by transverse connecting members H. which in turn may be elevated as by rotation oi the bell crank levers H4 at their upper arms H5. The bell crank levers' are connected as by a transverse actuating bar H.

referring to thepositionk ofthe parts as shown in Figure l, will raise the bar structure HH and raise all the stop pins H1. a

Each pair of pins Hl is controlled by a single plunger G1 and through it'by asingle shutter C". This is because of the current custom of employing a typewriter shift. For example when the typewriter is normally operating. the plunger ,structure G may be inthe position in which it is shown in' Figures 1 and 3. VIf lthe operator shifts.

to caps the shift lever actuates a rod H2"` which has for effect to impart to the entire plunger. `carriage a longitudinal movement. the particular plunger X2 for example, referring to Figure 3, would be shifted from opposition to the pin which is shown depressed in Figure 3` and would depress the adjacent pin of the pair.

It will be realized that whereas I have described and shown a practical and operative device, nevertheless many changes may` be `made in size. shape, number and disposition of parts without departing from the spirit of `my invention. If

wish my drawings to be taken, therefore, as in a broad sense illustrative and `di f u tic, rather lations of parts herein shown. s

Whereas I have illustrated my invention as api:

plying toa lineof type casting or type 'setting machine, it will be clear that the 'same or similarV mechanism or the same principles may beused in Y connection with a large number'of devices where- 1n a Shutter bed or a pattern bed can be employed It will be understood that a movement of the bar H4 to the right,

When actuated. v

' than as limiting Vme to the specic details and reaomsss to control the movement of parts of mechanisms. And where in the speciilcation and claims I use language directed to type setting or type casting, I wish it understood that such language is used primarily for purpose of illustration, not to narrow the field or intent of my invention.

The use and operation of my invention are as follows:

I illustrate it as applying to a class of structure wherein an ordinary commercial typewriter may be employed in either type setting or typ casting. I obtain this result as follows:

The depression of a typewriter key B4 depresses the upper arm C of a, bell crank lever and moves the lower arm C14 to the right, re-

Ierrlng to the positionfof the parts as shown in Figures l and 3. This moves one of the rods C1o to the rlght and ,depresses one of the shutters C. This in turn depresses a plunger G1, and

the plunger depresses a pin H1. It will be understood that whereas there is buta single roy of plungers G1 which move progressively across the top of the pattern bed, there are aligned pins or pairs of pins H1 all the way across the pat- 2tern bed. 'I'here are as many or substantially as many pins in each row as there are symbols available on the typewriter. Thus, in each row the operator can depress the pin corresponding to any symbol on his typewriter. Each stroke of the key fdeprses one pin. The carriage is moved forward one step. 'Ihe movement of the carriage moves the plunger carriage forward one step, and the plunger carriage and single row of plungers are therefore aligned with a new row of pins. 4The operator then strikes la key and depresses one pin. 'I'his process continues, it being possible to depress one pin only of each row of pins. As above mentioned, the )typewriter shift lever controls a rod H20, which rod is actuated 40 in response to rotation of .the lbell crank lever H11, as shown for example in Figure 3.

After the operator has written a full line, namely, has depressed, if he wishes, one pin in each of the rows of pins, he is ready to set or cast type. However, the type casting or type setting mechanism does not of itself form part of the present device, it being understood that any suitable means may be employed, responsive to the downward projection of the pins, for actuating whatever type setting or type casting mechanism is provided. Thereafter the rod Hs is employed to return the pins to their upward position. Each plunger G1 is automatically returned to its upper position as soon as the overlying shutter C6 permits and each shutter C6 is always in its upper or inoperative position unless the corresponding key of the typewriter is actually depressed.

The present structure is particularly advan- 0 tageous, in that the intermediate shutter plunger and pattern structure may-be adjusted to any ordinary type of typewriter, an adjustment of the arc of movement of the shutter C6 being possible. I also provide means for locking the shutter structure against movement. It is furthermore advantageous to provide pivotal supporting means for both the shutter bed and the pattern bed, so that each may readily be moved or pivoted into position as shown in Figure 2 where the operator, service man, or repair man, can have ready access to the bottom of the parts.

I claim:

1. In combination, a base, a pattern bed including a patternframe and a plurality of patconnection between said pattern bed and said base, whereby the bed may be rotated in relation to said base.

2. In combination, a base, a pattern bed including a pattern frame and a plurality of pattern pins movablein said frame and a pivotal connection between said pattern bed and said base, whereby the bed may be rotated in relation to said base, and means for supporting said bed in predetermined position in relation to said base.

In combination a base, a pattern bed rotatably mounted upon said base, means for holding said pattern bed in predetermined relation to said basea shutter bed, rotatably mounted upon said base and means for holding said shutter bed in predetermined position, above said pattern bed.

4. In combination, a base, a pattern bed rotatably mounted upon said base, means for holding said pattern bed in 'predetermined relation to said base, a shutter bed, rotatably mounted upon said base and means for holding said shutter bed in predetermined position, above said pattern bed, the axes of rotation of the pattern bed and of the shutter bed beingalong opposite edges.

5. In combination, a base,'a pattern .bed rotatably mounted upon said base, means for holding said pattern bed in predetermined relation to said base, a shutter bed, rotatably mounted upon said base and means for holding said shutter bed in' predetermined position, above said pattern bed, including a base engaging abutment associated with the shutter bed.

6. In combination, a base, a pattern bed rotatably mounted upon said base, means for holding said pattern bed in predetermined relation to said base, a shutter'bed, rotatably mounted upon said base and means for holding said shutter bed in predetermined position, above said pattern bed, and a plunger carriage mounted upon said shutter bed.

7. In combination, a generally horizontal base,

a pattern bed including a pattern frame and a plurality of pattern pins movable in the frame, a pivotal connection between said pattern bed and said base, whereby the bed may be rotated in relation to said base, a supporting abutment adapted to support the pattern bed in generally horizontal position in general parallelism with the upper surface of said base, a frame, pivoted to said base, and adapted, when in one position, to overlie said pattern bed, a typewriter mounted upon said last mentioned frame and actuating means for said pattern pins, mounted on said frame, including a plurality of shutters, and moans for actuating said shutters in response to actuation of the typewriter keys.

8. In combination, a generally horizontal base, a pattern bed including a pattern frame and a plurality of pattern pins movable in the frame. a pivotal connection between said pattern bed and said base, whereby the bed maybe rotated in relation to said base, a supporting. abutment adapted to support the pattern bed in generally horizontal position in general parallelism with the upper surface of said base, a frame, pivoted to said base, and adapted, when in one position, to overlie said pattern bed, a typewriter mounted upon said last mentioned frame and actuating means for said pattern pins, mounted on said frame, including a plurality of shutters, and means for actuating said shutters in response to actuation of the typewriter keys, and means for tern pins movable in said frame and a pivotal locking said shutters against actuation.

9. In combination, a base, a pattern bed mounted on said base, a plurality of pattern pins axially movable in said pattern bed and means for moving them, including a plurality of ro- 5 tatably mounted shutters, and means for rotating them. including a typewriter having keys and key levers and an actuating connection between said key levers and said shutters.' and means ior varying the arcoi' rotation of said l0 shutters.

10. In a shutter bed for use with a typewriter having keys and key levers,y a plurality of shutters rotatably mounted in said bed, a control rod connected to' each shutter, a lever associated with each` control rod, each such lever being aligned with a typewriter key lever, and means for unitarily adjusting the height oi said rod levers.

1l. In a shutter bed for use with a typewriter having keys and key levers, a plurality of shutters rotatably mounted insaidbed, a control rod f connected to each shutter, a lever associated with eachcontrol rod, each such lever being aligned with a typewriter key lever, and means for unitarily adjusting the location of the axes of rotation of said rod levers, including a member upon which said rod levers are rotatably mounted and means for varying the height oi' said member in relation to the typewriter.

12. In a shutter bed for use with a typewriter having keys and key levers, a plurality of shutters rotatably mounted in said bed, a control rod connected to each shutter, a lever associated with each control rod, each such lever being aligned with a typewriterkey lever, and means ior `unitarily adjusting the location o! the axes of rotation of said rod levers, including a member upon which said rod levers are rotatably mounted and means for varying the height of said member in `relation to the typewriter. and means for locking such member in adjusted position.

13. In a shutter bed foi-use with a typewriter` having keys and key levers, a vplurality oi' shutters rotatably mounted in said bed, a control rod connected to each shutter, a lever associated with each control rod, and means tor unitarily adjusting the locating oi the axes of rotation oi' said rod levers. including a member upon which said rod levers are rotatably mounted and means for varying the height of .said member in relation to the typewriter, and means for locking such member in adjusted position.

14. In a shutter bed for use with a'typewriter having ykeys and key levers. a plurality o! shutl ters movably mounted in said bed. a control member associatedwith each shutter, a control llever, associated with each such member and adapted to be actuated in response to movement of the typewriterkey levers, and means for unitarily varying the location of said control levers. 15. In a shutter bed for use with a typewriter having keys and key levers, a plurality o! shut- :,ovassa ters movably mounted in said bed. a control member associated with each shutter. a control lever associated with t each such member and adaptedtobeactuatedinresponsetomovement of the'typewriter key levers, and means for unitarily varying theV location of said control levers, including a member upon which said controllevers are rotatably mounted, and means for varying its height in relation to the typewriter.

16. In typeselecting machines and thelike, a pattern bed having a plurality o! movable pattern forming members, a typewriter and'connecting means interposed between it and the pattern bed for vdisplacing selected pattern forming members responsive to the striking of individual typewriter keys, and a support upon which the pattern bed is mounted forv movement into and vout ot working relationship with the typewriter and connecting means.

17.Intypeselectingmachinesandthe1ike,a pattern bed having a plurality of movable pattern forming members, a` typewriter and connecting means interposed between it and the pattern bed for displacing selected pattern forming members responsive tothe striking of individual typewriter keys. the pattern bed being movable and means for holding it in working rerelationship with the typewriter and connecting 18.Intypeselectingmachinesandthelike,a pattern bed having a plurality ormovable patterniorming members, a typewriter and connecting meansinterposedbetweenit andthe pattern.

bed for displacingselectedpattern forming membersrsponsivetothestriking oi'individualtypewriterkeysandasupportupon whichthepattern bed ismountedtor movement into and outot working relationship with the typewriter 4and connectingmeanaandastopinthepathcrthe pattern bed adapted toarrestits movement and hold it in working relationship'with respect to the typewriterandtheconnectingmeans.

v19.Intypellelectinginachinlesandthelike,a

tern bed for vdisplacing-selected patterniorming members responsive to the striking oi' typewriter keys, the connecting meam including aplungercarriagemountedi'ortravelincorn-` sonance with the typewriter carriage, a shutter bed including a plurality of shuttersadapted one to cooperate witheach plunger en the plunger.`

carriage, connecting vmeansbetween the typewriterkeysandtheshutteratheplungercarrhge 

